By Ron Harmon, Presiding Bishop

Deceit is in the mind of those who plan evil, but those who counsel peace have joy.

Sometimes the new community envisioned in Doctrine and Covenants 164:5 emerges out of shared purpose and goes far beyond anything expected. It is a miracle of grace where struggles, hopes, and aspirations find expression in relationships. This has been my experience each time I share with the Mission Development Team established by the Presiding Bishopric to reach out to explorers and disciples ages 25-45.

This small group of adults have forged something significant that goes beyond work products or missional outcomes. They have developed safe space for sharing joys and struggles and a welcoming spirit for others who connect with their group. Their passion and hopes for the success of the global mission of the church supersede many of their personal frustrations with the pace of change at times in local settings.

I think this is an essential characteristic—the ability to see beyond the reality of the present to the possibility of the future. Each member of the team has become increasingly at home in this unsettled and prophetic space. In fact, it is their unsettledness about the state of the present that is the catalyst for continued exploration and experimentation, leading to new insights and a willingness to continue the long journey ahead.

Another characteristic of this team is mutuality in how they interact, holding one another in love as they share diverse perspectives on how to help the church connect with their peer group. There is a lack of pretense and abundance of authenticity in their sharing. I feel a measure of this mutuality and respect in their willingness to be honest, to pose difficult questions, and be willing to live with these questions alongside the Presiding Bishopric.

Perhaps what has moved me most is the deep joy that being in community brings to each member of the group. There is genuine compassion and love, a sense of interest and concern for one another’s welfare. The quality of their presence and engagement is palpable and draws you into a sense of wellbeing and belonging, even when they are passionately disagreeing. Although this has taken work on their part, it is clear they have been blessed by the Spirit, drawing them together in sacred community.

I feel deep-rooted hope when I am with this group. Although their initial purpose was to be an advisory team, they have become so much more as they see themselves and others from a changed perspective. Relational authenticity and vulnerability are at the heart of their experience and point to God’s vision of interdependence and love, hallmarks of the new community.

Prayer Phrase

“a new community…is being born” (Doctrine and Covenants 164:5).

Spiritual Community

Meditate on a time when you experienced true belonging—a moment when someone welcomed you, listened to you, encouraged you, or reminded you that you were not walking the journey of faith alone. Prayerfully consider the qualities that help build a Christ-centered community: hospitality, compassion, forgiveness, patience, courage, joy, and a willingness to walk alongside one another. Offer a prayer of gratitude for the communities that have shaped you and a prayer of commitment to help create spaces where all people can experience the love, peace, and presence of Christ.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.